A Minute With: R&B singer Miguel in the spotlight after Grammys

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - With two critically acclaimed albums and a Grammy award under his belt, American R&B singer/songwriter Miguel is starting to hit the mainstream.

The Los Angeles native, born Miguel Jontel Pimentel to a Mexican father and African-American mother, was thrust into the spotlight at the Grammy awards last month, delivering a soulful rendition of his hit single "Adorn," which won Best R&B song.

His second album "Kaleidoscope Dream" debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart last October and he kicked off his tour supporting Alicia Keys on her North American dates last week.

Miguel, 27, told Reuters about his Grammy moment, his love for throwback R&B, and gearing up to perform on "Saturday Night Live" next month.

Q: The Grammy awards was a big moment for you. How was the experience of performing on the Grammy stage?

A: As a kid you imagine those moments, something that you always aspire to be a part of. You want to be on the stage, but I think at that moment, it was really surreal as I was setting up keys and making sure everything sounded great, looking out amongst the crowd ... and seeing all of my favorite musicians (that) I grew up listening to, mimicking and admired, and have been musical mentors in some way. It definitely was surreal but at that moment, it was about having a good time.

Q: "Adorn" has been a big hit for you. What does the song mean to you and why has it resonated so well with audiences?

A: The song was written really because I missed my girl. That was all it was at the time. I suppose when you love someone so much, you wear their love with pride, and you want them to wear yours with pride, and I think that's where the whole concept comes together. I think it resonates with people because we all want that kind of pride in our relationship and when it is real like that, that's how I think two people treat each other.
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